Field trip reports

39 members turned out for this new walk and were not disappointed! Starting at the farmhouse with an introduction about the site from Alastair, we first went to Watercress Wood where three Great Spotted Woodpeckers put on quite a display for us and loud drumming was heard too. On the bank of the nearby stream a Kingfisher nest hole was pointed out – a first for many of us. The early grey, drizzly morning turned into one of warm sunshine which helped identification for those of us who needed it. Along the hedgerows of the rough pasture fields were Stonechat and Yellowhammer, a distant Sparrowhawk and the first of many Skylark were heard and then seen. Moving up on the bridleway towards the railway, Fieldfare and Redwing were spotted in nearby pasture. As we continued around the site, we spent some time looking at a re-wilded field and its borders with an astounding estimate of 1000 Chaffinches plus Linnet and Yellowhammer and more Skylarks above. A large flock of Stock Doves were observed and a hunting Kestrel and then, at a field uncultivated for at least three years, more Stonechats, Song Thrush and a Buzzard. Near our finish there was still more to come with parties of Siskin and Long-tailed Tits feeding close by and a Kingfisher bringing the total of species seen to 32. Many thanks to Alastair for a superb morning and introducing us to a wonderful place. Nancy Barrett

Shortly after leaving Tanners Lane, our attention was drawn to a string of birds on telegraph wires. Scope views confirmed them as a mix of Starlings and Corn Buntings. A small flock of Common Gulls flew past, and a Stonechat was found perched on a stone wall. The horses’ field held a good number of Fieldfare (we counted over 125 during the course of our walk). A pair of Yellowhammers and several more Corn Buntings were found in the hedgerows and some Skylark flew overhead. Looking across the valley over Rushmead Lane, two perched raptors were seen simultaneously. The first was a female Kestrel on a wire (rather distant), the second was a splendid Red Kite sitting on a post. A flock of 250 Lapwings was also seen flying over the fields.Rushmead Lane was initially disappointing although a pair of Red-legged Partridge was spotted at the far side of the field. Walking to the end of the road, we identified a Stock Dove and a flock of finches (probably Linnets) together with more Yellowhammers. The walk back along the road was relatively uneventful although we enjoyed the sight of four Roe Deer across the valley and three Buzzards wheeling overhead. 34 species seen. Thanks to Sue and Nigel for leading Peter Bryant

28 people met on a below freezing bright day. We started with Magpie, many Carrion Crow, Wood Pigeon and two Buzzards at a distance, one being very pale. Along Clevedon Lane Chaffinch, many Blue and Great Tits, Blackbirds, Long-tailed Tits were seen with Ravens overhead. Heading across the valley Bullfinch were noted, then just before coffee two to three pairs of Stonechat and a Fieldfare. A Mute Swan flew over, and then we were treated to a flight of Lapwings approximately 20, plus three Curlews and four Snipe erupting from the ground. A large mixed flock of Crows, Jackdaws and a lone Rook were seen. Finally, Goldfinch, Pied Wagtails and House Sparrows. A total of 25 species seen or heard. (Thanks to Geoff for leading) Geoff Harris

A very cold but bright sunny day gave us so much birdlife with clear views starting on the Shapwick reserve before crossing to the RSPB Ham Wall reserve. On Shapwick there were many duck including numerous Shoveler, Gadwall, Mallard, Teal, Pochard, some Tufted Duck, Coot and more! Of particular note was the male American Wigeon, showing its eye-catching green “cheek” and continuing to reside with the many other smaller Eurasian Wigeon viewed from the Tower Hide area. Our first Marsh Harrier flew low, its cream head catching the sun as it quartered the reed beds, with its distinctive profile and large slow wing beats. We heard Cetti’s Warbler in both areas and on walking to Ham Wall we saw a darting Kingfisher and heard a squealing Water Rail in contrast to the hollow whistle of a Bullfinch. There was also a Reed Bunting and Lesser Redpoll, several Snipe and a pair of Stonechats. It was interesting to compare the size of a little Egret almost alongside a Great White Egret and a nearby Grey Heron. Also seen were Canada Geese and Mute Swan. A large flock of Lapwings rose to the sky in response to another Marsh Harrier approaching. The trees and shrubs housed a wide variety of smaller birds including a large number of Long-tailed Tits, Goldfinches and a single Siskin. A flying Bittern was a treat for some, before the spectacle of an excellent murmuration of Starlings displaying against a beautiful orange sunset. A large number “swished” back and forth before dropping down to chatter and find their “pecking order” in the reeds for the night. There were 36 species and 28 walkers. Several members only joined us later, in time to enjoy the theatre of the Starlings. Thanks to Mark for leading. Sue Watson

We started the walk from Wains Hill and headed towards The Pill where scoping produced a Curlew, two Common Gulls and an Oystercatcher. Three Rock Pipits and a Stonechat were seen well. We continued to the Blind Yeo and walked up to Lower Strode Road adding a Little Egret and a few common passerines on the way. Two Goosander were seen briefly before they disappeared around the corner. Shelter was in short supply as a squall hit us with torrential rain for a short period as we headed to a very flooded Dowlais. Here there were small groups of Shelduck and Lapwing but the highlight was two Peregrines stood in the middle of a flooded field (this increased to three Peregrines on the way back!). The Peregrines appeared to be an adult male and female along with a juvenile bird so perhaps one of last year’s young still hanging around. At the Kenn there were around 80 Redshank along with 35 Curlew and some Wigeon and Teal. Heading back to Clevedon there were half a dozen Turnstone on Blackstone rocks and twelve Goosander had appeared in the Pill which were enjoyed by all. Thanks to the twelve members who joined me. (Thanks to Jason for leading) Jason Williams

Mud, glorious mud! We saw quite a bit of it and some areas were a challenge to negotiate. The walk started from the Fox Inn, leading past the church and across fields and areas of uncultivated rough pasture. Plenty of bird life was visible including Redwing, Fieldfare, flocks of Goldfinches and Blue Tit. We squelched along to reach a wooded area for our coffee break. Passing Berwick Lodge three Shovelers took flight from the pond area and Teal were heard calling. We then crossed the M5 via a small footbridge. Along the route we saw Goldcrest, Redwing, Fieldfare, and heard a Green Woodpecker call. At one point, nearing Hallen, Marsh Tit were heard calling but we couldn’t see them among the trees. We followed the Spanorium Skyway route which led under the M5, then back over to rejoin the route at Berwick Lodge and thus back to the start. Thanks to Graham for leading. Di Bunniss

The forecast was for sunshine and showers throughout the day. Not ideal, but certainly good enough weather for a visit to the fabulous Westhay. So, eleven people met in the car park and ventured into the reserve. At the first hide, we had bright sunshine with dramatic grey clouds giving a beautiful light. This nicely showed the plumages of the Teal, Wigeon, Gadwall and Shoveler. The trees by the paths yielded Tits and Goldcrest, with Cetti’s Warblers and Water Rail calling from deep cover. We reached the Tower Hide just in time to shelter from a downpour. A solitary Snipe zig-zagged away, a male Marsh Harrier flew across the reeds, a couple of distant Mute Swans impersonated Egrets, an actual Great White Egret made a brief appearance, and we had a fleeting glimpse of a Water Rail darting across a gap in the reeds. Many of the birds seemed to be sheltering out of sight, but we were able to practise the useful skill of identifying ducks in flight. The rain eased and we headed off to the further areas of the reserve. The large lagoons held good numbers of ducks, Canada Geese and a couple of Greylags, plus stunning male and female Goosander. In total, 33 species were seen on the walk. Thanks to Jenny for leading the walk, to Alan for recording the bird count, and to all present for their great company in rather damp conditions. Tim Fell

Eight intrepid walkers, appropriately suited and booted for the foul weather, met at the church. Our route down to Ripple Effect (formerly Send-a-Cow) was quiet for birds except for a fine flock of Goldfinch; similarly quiet along the wooded lane and the more open track to the waterfall. Maybe the persistent rain had something to do with it. The waterfall was gushing down with no sign of the usual Grey Wagtail. The first up to the lake had the only glimpse of a Kingfisher, and another the only Grey Heron. Top Lake gave us more water birds. Sheltering in the pavilion we had a chance to admire the Teal, tinkling away noisily, a Tufted Duck, two Little Grebe, and spot the four nests of last year’s heronry. Back into the wet, over the bridge and up through the woods we were pleased to spot Nuthatch, lots of Tits, hear a Chiffchaff and get a count of 100 Mallard. We retraced our steps to the lake to give more shelter then turned up into the university. Coming out of the wooded area a Green Woodpecker flew across the lake while a few of us at the rear were excited to find a group of Siskins high in the treetops. Our return via the university drive and muddy fields took us to the far end of the village where we had Chaffinches and Tits attracted to garden feeders, an obliging Kestrel, a Buzzard, and a Stonechat fleetingly perched in the horse fields. Grateful for the road underfoot we walked back to the church. In spite of the poor weather it had been an enjoyable walk with 38 species altogether. Thanks to Robert for leading. Anne Crowe

A group of approximately 25 met in the carpark for the traditional New Year visit to Slimbridge. We were fortunate with the weather, which stayed dry for the main part of the day. As we met up we were already seeing large flocks of Lapwing circling overhead, with their particular ‘floppy wing’ style, and flocks of Greylag Geese and Golden Plovers flying past heading for the lakes. Once on site most of the group headed for the northern hides, starting with the Peng Hide, where a Scaup was rumoured to be lurking among the Tufted Ducks. Here were many Bewick swans, some in family groups. After discussions about identifying Scaup we wandered between the hides, having terrific views over the lakes and marshes, where distant cranes were feeding. Golden Plovers and Lapwings were seen in their hundreds, Snipe hiding among the reeds and Ruff feeding along the water edges, among the Redshank, Godwits, Dunlin, Wigeon and Teal. From the Estuary Tower were excellent views of the Barnacle Geese, one Ross’s Goose and one Snow Goose. A distant Peregrine was settled on a tree stump. Each hide was sure to have a few club members inside, so always someone to share information, sightings and a chance to peer through a ‘scope. Hours later, the Scaup was still a subject of much debate and interest. Over 50 species were recorded. Thanks to everyone who made it such an enjoyable visit. Di Bunniss

Fourteen members wishing to undo the effects of too much Christmas food set out for Portbury Wharf on a dull and mild day. The railway bridge is a good viewing point and we had distant views of Great Spotted Woodpecker and Redwings. In Wharf Lane Goldcrest, Chaffinch and Goldfinch were seen, as were the new pylons being erected. From the first hide a pair of Gadwall showed. As usual the second hide provided the best views, with Cormorant, Shelduck, Widgeon, Stonechat, Lapwing, Redshank and Teal. The Tower hide overlooking the Wharf was closed for structural reasons so the embankment was the place to set up the scopes and survey the salt marsh with Canada Geese, Curlew, Linnet and one of our sharp eyed observers saw a long distant view of Common Sandpipers at Portishead Pill. At the end of the embankment is a new well constructed timber bridge that makes it much easier to cross the ditch. The long drove gave us Green Woodpecker, Chiffchaff and Jay to make a total of 49. The walk finished just before the rain started. (Thanks to Roger for leading) Roger Hawley